Turn off the amplifier and sound source. The sound source is most likely a recording studio mixing board or your computer’s sound card.
Connect the line-level output of your sound source to the input of your power amplifier. Use patch cables that have ends that match the requirements of the source and the power amplifier. You can purchase cables with the ends that you need from an audio supply store. If you are not familiar with the different kinds of connectors, take a picture of the connectors on the source and amplifier to show to a customer representative at the store.
Connect the output of the amplifier to your passive monitors. Because studio monitors are almost always run in stereo, pay attention to the designations on the output of your amplifier. One connection will be for the monitor that is placed on the right of the listening area and the other is for the monitor that is placed to the left. Most monitors can be used in either position, but be sure to connect the right output to the right monitor and the left output to the left monitor.
Turn the volume level on the amplifier to its lowest setting.
Turn the power on to the sound source and the amplifier. Set the source to play a signal such as a song or any other recording. Slowly turn the volume control on the amplifier up to your desired listening volume. Now that the volume is at a reasonable point, turn the volume on your sound source lower and raise the volume on the amplifier. Leave the volume at that point. You are less likely to encounter problems with distortion if you set the amplifier to a high level than if you set your sound source to a very loud setting.